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Chelsea made easy work of securing their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup after dismantling Barnsley.

The Blues marked the Stamford Bridge fixture after a hefty 6-0 victory, with a hat-trick from newest signing Kai Havertz helping to get the result over the line.

The Germany international has finally showcased his clinical abilities in the middle of the park. However, one man who impressed but slid somewhat under the radar is Tammy Abraham.

Since Timo Werner’s arrival, he has taken the role of Frank Lampard’s first choice frontman. His impressive 34 goal and 13 assist return for RB Leipzig last season will hopefully be recreated for his new club. He has already opened up his portfolio for the Blues after bagging an assist on his debut against Brighton (via Transfermarkt).

With Olivier Giroud also still part of the club, the fight for game time could become an interesting one. Abraham has already put forward his pitch after assisting two goals against Barnsley and scoring one of him own.

The England international also created two big chances and completed 100% of his attempted dribbles (via Sofascore).

Abraham played a total of 72 minutes before being brought off for Giroud. His performance earned him a Sofascore rating of 8.9, which won’t have gone unnoticed by Lampard.

Chelsea’s next fixture will see them take on Crystal Palace on Saturday and Abraham will hope to be in contention to start.

Do you think Abraham can challenge Werner for a starting spot in the Chelsea side? Join the conversation in the comments below!

West Ham United could quickly forget the Grady Diangana if they manage to clinch the latest name linked with a transfer to the London Stadium…

What’s the word?

According to Le10 Sport, the Irons are in the race to land exciting Brentford sensation Said Benrahma before next month’s deadline but they face strong competition from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

They claim that the Championship outfit are asking for £25m for his signature and the offers received so far fall below €20m (£18m).

It’s expected that Benrahma makes the switch to the top-flight before the end of the summer transfer window.

Diangana replacement

Given the options at David Moyes’ disposal, this really would be a signing that gets fans back onside in east London, especially after raking in £18m from Diangana’s sale.

The 25-year-old has dazzled in the Championship as one of the Bees’ many examples of their perfect recruitment. Last season, he provided 17 goals and nine assists as they fell one game short of the big time.

But he’s known for so much more than his goal contributions. Sam Saunders, coach of the B team, claims Benrahma “could nutmeg a mermaid” – which does appear to ring true as he averaged a whopping three dribbles per game last term.

No player in the second tier managed more shots per game (3.8) than the Algerian wizard either.

Whilst his current boss Thomas Frank has previously hailed him everything from “magnificent” to being a “top player” in the Championship.

The trio of Felipe Anderson, Jarrod Bowen and Manuel Lanzini combined for just two goals all campaign with the majority being picked up on by Michail Antonio – though four of which game during just one match.

For just £25m, the Hammers would be getting one hell of a player and one that would actually have fans wanting to watch their side compete.

Think of him as the second coming of Dimitri Payet. There isn’t too much difference between the two.

AND in other news, Audacious swap deal for £40m “wonderful talent” would be incredible Hammers business…

West Ham are in the market for a new central defender but there’s only one name that should be considered above the rest this summer…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, four Premier League teams have entered the race to clinch Manchester United outcast Chris Smalling, one of which are the Hammers who are keen on signing the Englishman.

Recently promoted Fulham, Everton and Newcastle United are also touted with interest.

It’s claimed that these teams would be willing to pay his reported £20m asking price but the player himself wants to decide which club he signs for next.

Serie A duo Inter Milan and Atalanta clearly liked what they saw from the 30-year-old whilst on loan at AS Roma as they too have been mooted as admirers.

Forget Duffy

Earlier this month, the Mirror (4th August, page 46) linked the Irons with a £10m move for Brighton back-up Shane Duffy, but if Smalling is available, then he’s someone they should move on from.

The 6 foot 4 centre-back has enjoyed a resurgent season in Italy – across 37 appearances, he won an average of 3.1 aerial duels, 3.9 clearances, 1.9 interceptions and a near 90% passing accuracy, via WhoScored.

Moyes’ side leaked 62 goals last season – only the bottom four conceded more – so it’s no wonder that the Scotsman wants a rejig at the back.

Roma boss Paulo Fonesca has been full of praise for Smalling after his success in the Italian capital, speaking to A Bola (via the Daily Mail) he said:

“He’s an extraordinary guy, very intelligent. He has characteristics that I really appreciate in the centre. He’s fast, nearly unbeatable in one-on-ones. He has a great ability to read the play and anticipate. He was very important for this club. If possible, I would like him to stay. He’s a great professional and person, it’s a pleasure to have him here with us.”

It’s ever so clear that Smalling has turned things around recently and don’t forget, he’s still racked up over 200 appearances in the Premier League, which is experience that could prove vital to avoiding another relegation battle.

On the other hand, Duffy could only start 12 matches this season, so if he’s not getting in the Seagull’s XI, then why should he at the London Stadium?

Smalling would be the smarter addition.

AND in other news, David Moyes must unleash “explosive” West Ham sensation next season…

Everton forward Richarlison has been a little cheeky on social media this week after he fired a transfer message to former Toffees striker Romelu Lukaku.The 27-year-old celebrated his birthday on Wednesday and the club’s official Twitter account sent him their wishes on social media to which the Brazilian replied asking the Inter Milan star to “come back” to Goodison Park.

Lukaku enjoyed a very fruitful three seasons in Merseyside, recording 87 goals and 29 assists in 166 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

He goalscoring prowess saw him quickly become a Toffees fan-favourite before he moved to Premier League rivals Manchester United for a whopping £75m back in the summer of 2017.

The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?

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However, the Belgian now finds himself plying his trade in Serie A for Inter Milan, where he has hit the ground running with 23 goals in 35 matches.

Transfermarkt value him at £61.2m and it is rather unlikely that Antonio Conte sells the attacking powerhouse anytime soon.

AND in other news,ÂEverton fans react as reported TARGET wants EXIT…

One Tottenham Hotspur academy player is set to be promoted to the first-team next season after impressing Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff, and fans have been reacting to the news on social media this week.

According to Football Insider, the Spurs hierarchy view Dennis Cirkin as a future star, one that can save them millions in the transfer market.

It is thought that the 18-year-old had been making huge strides on the training pitch before injury curtailed his chances in February.

The young left-back is set to compete alongside Ben Davies and Ryan Sessegnon whenever the new campaign gets underway. Cirkin is yet to make his senior debut, but has featured on the bench in two FA Cup matches this term.

Hilariously obscure Premier League players – Can you name them all?

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Much of the Spurs faithful are quite thrilled with the news with many claiming he’s good enough to be involved at the top level.

Here’s what has been said so far…

AND in other news, Spurs fans slam fresh GK transfer report…

Newcastle United’s takeover is still yet to be given the green light by the Premier League, but could this be the week it finally gets announced?The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards delivered a cryptic five-word message to fans on Twitter this morning that hints that it could indeed be happening, he said:

It is now the seventh week since reports first emerged claiming that current Magpies owner Mike Ashley was prepared to sell the club for £300m to PCP Partners’ Amanda Staveley and her Saudi-backed consortium.

The Middle East country’s public investment fund is set to claim 80% of the ownership with the remaining 20% being split equally between Staveley and the Reuben brothers.

Spot the fact from the fib: Are these Premier League records true or false?

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Arguably, United is one of the few remaining sleeping giants in English football given their history and now they are set for a very wealthy new era that’ll finally bring joy to many in the northeast.

AND in other news,ÂNewcastle fans react to interest in Gonzalo Higuain…

Celtic fans have taken to Twitter following Sunday afternoon’s Betfred Cup final win over Rangers, and they have an abundance of praise stored up to lavish on Jeremie Frimpong.

The 18-year-old right-back – who signed from Manchester City back in the summer – has made 11 appearances in all competitions for the Bhoys this season, and doing so in impressive fashion having been involved in four goals during that time.

Frimpong – a Netherlands U20 international – was actually sent off in the 63rd minute for a foul on Alfredo Morelos inside the penalty area, but luckily for the young full-back, the Colombian saw his effort saved by Fraser Forster.

Also luckily for Frimpong, his teammates managed to keep Steven Gerrard’s side at bay for the remaining half-an-hour or so as they kept a clean sheet in the Betfred Cup final.

Despite putting his side’s chances of lifting the trophy at risk, Frimpong has come in for some praise from a number of Celtic fans on Twitter for his performance and overall attitude.

One fan – despite claiming that they were not exaggerating – wrote a slightly over-emphatic tweet stating that the teenager is the best right-back of all time.

Another asked if the club could keep the Dutchman until he retires, stating that they don’t think they could handle the heartbreak when he eventually leaves.

Elsewhere, this supporter said that Frimpong “makes you love football again”, which is lofty praise indeed for someone so young.

Another fan even went and compared Frimpong to Kieran Tierney, stating that while the current Arsenal left-back was a good prospect, their new Dutch wonderkid seems like a great one.

To round off the Frimpong love-in, one fan said that he was the only outfield Celtic player who “got pass marks” against Rangers, and stated that there may be a new fan favourite at Celtic Park.

Lastly, another supporter said that they think the former Manchester City man showed that he should be starting on a weekly basis with his showing against the Gers.

In other Celtic news, these fans made a huge transfer demand to the board following the Betfred Cup final…

Liverpool will face Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday as they look to qualify for the next round of the competition.

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It will be the Reds’ fifth game in the tournament this term, and as it stands, they top the group with nine points. A win against the Serie A side would confirm their place in the knockout stages, but that will be easier said than done. Whilst Napoli are currently struggling off the pitch, they are the only team to beat Jurgen Klopp and Co so far this campaign, winning 2-0 in September in the San Paolo Stadium.

Check out footballers’ biggest fashion disasters in the video below…

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With the games coming thick and fast – the Anfield outfit will play at least 10 more games this calendar year, and that number will be 11 if they make it to the Club World Cup final – the former Borussia Dortmund manager could make some changes to his side. One of those who could be brought into the fray is £45m-valued Naby Keita – as per Transfermarkt.

The Guinea international has played just eight matches in all competitions so far this term, but Klopp will need to utilise his whole squad if he wants success at the end of the campaign.

The club’s supporters are eager for him to be included in the starting XI against the Italian team. They took to Twitter to share their thoughts, and you can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.

In other news, one 24-year-old said he had Sadio Mane “in his pocket” when they last faced each other.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Tom Davies has become an integral part of Aidy Boothroyd’s England U21s over the past year. The Everton man wore the captain’s armband for the Young Lions back in September and he now has 16 appearances and one goal for them.

Now, with the Boothroyd putting together another star-studded squad – one which Davies has been included in – the Everton academy product has the chance to catch the eye of Gareth Southgate. The likes of Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden are just a few names on the list who the England boss will surely be watching.

However, with 95 appearances for Everton under his belt now, Davies is the one Southgate should be keeping a close eye on. The 21-year-old has an opportunity to enjoy a long spell in the Everton team after the injury to Andre Gomes.

Plus, despite the club’s poor form, the Toffees man has a chance to prove his worth to both the England boss and Marco Silva over the coming months.

Over the past few years, England youngsters have flourished and made the step up from U21 to senior level, with Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham some recent examples of players who have stepped up in class.

Those players all graduated from Boothroyd’s squad and it’s fair to assume that the youth team manager is constantly in communication with Southgate regarding players he believes have the potential to play at the elite level.

Should Davies, who is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, put in a shift and impress with the Young Lions, he could put his name into the back of Southgate’s mind.

Now, he also his chance to take the opportunity to become Everton’s main man in the absence of Gomes and that will only bolster his international aspirations.

And a string of fine performances could well put himself into contention for Euro 2020, even if he is an outside shout at this stage in the season.

The midfield spot has become an area for England where the coaching staff have chopped and changed. Harry Winks, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkley and Declan Rice are just a few who have stepped into the centre lately.

Now, with Fabian Delph also receiving a call-up, there is no reason why Davies cannot make his stamp on the squad as well.

Gareth Southgate has a real conundrum at the moment.

Having a plethora of talented players at your disposal isn’t exactly the worst headache to have, but it is still an issue he needs to solve before Euro 2020.

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One position that is very competitive within the Three Lions squad is centre-back.

There are a number of quality defenders to choose from in the England squad, and when Stuart Pearce and Phil Babb were asked to name their best XI, there was some disagreement as to who should start in the heart of the defence.

Pearce wants to see Joe Gomez start alongside Harry Maguire, while Babb believes that Tyrone Mings is the better option alongside the Manchester United man.

It’s interesting to see a man who played over 150 games for the Reds opt to snub a current Liverpool player, especially one with Gomez’s potential.

It remains to be seen who Southgate actually picks to start at the back, but based on Pearce and Babb’s selections it seems like it’s going to be a tough choice.